Letter: Why Sweep Before the Leaves Are Down?

Published on: 20 Sep, 2023
Updated on: 20 Sep, 2023

Road sweeping in Sutherland Drive by Alford Close, Burpham

From: Paul Robinson

If the GBC proposed cutbacks are to go as far as the flower displays around the town I would like to make one further suggestion – cut street sweeping at the start of autumn.

This morning a mechanised street sweeping machine did the rounds around our residential street.

If there was ever a pointless exercise this is it. With all the trees about to dump their leaves what is the point of sending a sweeper around now? In two or three days time there will be no evidence that the street was cleaned.

If the reason is flood prevention that is fine but, if so, just restrict it to areas that flood, not roads that haven’t flooded in 30+ years.

Responses to Letter: Why Sweep Before the Leaves Are Down?

Keith Francis Reply

September 20, 2023 at 5:58 pm

Regrettably it is all based on the contract SCC has these days, the roads are swept irrespective of need.

Gully emptying is no different. Try to get an over-flowing drain emptied, off-schedule, because it is blocked with leaves and other debris. Many drivers don’t know where the fire hydrants are so they can refill the tank.
Peta Malthouse Reply

September 20, 2023 at 7:10 pm

Our streets in Normandy aren’t swept at all. Instead car drivers lob their empty fast food containers and fag packets onto our pavements a grass verges. We are in a parish and pay additional council tax for the privilege with less of the borough bonus perks. Be careful what you wish for.
Keith Reeves Reply

September 21, 2023 at 5:18 pm

According to Surrey County Council’s website, residential roads are swept three times a year. They are clearing not just leaves but the gradual build up of debris.

Changing to a post leaf fall or post heavy rainfall regime would doubtless require a much larger fleet of vehicles and more drivers, who would be idle the majority of the time.

Now that really would be pointless.
Sheila Atkinson Reply

September 21, 2023 at 10:19 pm

We haven’t seen a road sweeping lorry for many years where we live. In the last week we were around the Bedford Road area and Tesco at Bannisters and passed comment on how dreadful the roads looked, it was obvious nothing has been done to them in ages either.